Hello, my friends! I hope this finds you very well. We have now been in our new apartment/studio for a month and I thought I’d share an update as so many of you have been asking about it!
If you follow @georgiannalane and @aparisianmoment on Instagram, then you’ll have seen this transformation in a fun video here. But this gives you a bit more detail. After our very first purchase for the apartment (Nespresso machine!), we concentrated on replacing the modern light fixtures with traditional, antique chandeliers to create the living and studio space that we envisioned for our work and lifestyle.
As shops, antique fairs and flea markets have been closed all spring, that presented a challenge. But through a friend who does regular renovations in the city, we were able to meet privately with her dealer and purchase all of our antique chandeliers before we even moved in. We then had them installed right away when we arrived.
(You can see a tiny bit of the table I’m using as a desk right now in the mirror above. Most furniture has been hard to come by with the pandemic lockdown but shops will be open this week, at last, so am looking forward to getting a proper desk and chair.)
Before and after in the salon. We’re not totally against contemporary features but felt these lights just did not go with our vision of the space.
Just love the infinity mirror view of the salon and salle a manger (dining room). Our ceilings are over three meters high so we needed substantial fixtures to fill the space but not overpower it. We are thrilled with the results!
Salon (left) and salle a manger fixtures. They are not identical, which we prefer, but very complimentary. We had them customized by replacing some of the crystal chains with very traditional almond-shaped crystals and large drops. I’m certain these are more like the originals that may have been replaced at some point with the ones we had removed.
We also installed petit chandeliers in the master bedroom, office and guest bedroom.
Next we searched online specialty shops for authentic Parisian bistro furniture for our balconies and for props. We found these adorable rattan chairs which are just as you’d see in a cafe here. We also got two tables, both made of heavy cast iron with beautiful marble tops, one in white and one in black. They are very heavy and will last forever. We love how the black one reflects the roofline and sky across the street from our place. You’ll be seeing these in many photo shoots, including some prints to be released this week.
Here is one of our views from the balconies, looking toward Boulevard Saint Germain in evening.
We’re enjoying creating little floral vignettes on the mantels.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this little update. As always, thank you so much for visiting! Soon we’ll be able to go to antique shops and markets and will take you along with us.
À bientôt!
With love,
G
SOURCES:
Chandeliers purchased from Sophie Cougoule-Devergne at Saint-Ouen. @la_boutique_de_sophie on Instagram.
Bistro chairs purchase from salondete.fr
Tables from leredoute.com
What a charming place you’re going to live in, Darling Georgianna, I seem I can feel your enthusiasm, my friend!
Sending love and hugs
Daniela at ~ My little old world ~ (Dany)
Dearest Dany,
Thank you so much, my special friend! And now we are not far away from each other. Soon, we may travel to Italy!
I hope you are very well. Sending love and hugs to you. xx G
For linens, dishes, and portable brocante items, you might want to consider a trip to the Brussels flea market. Today I bought 4 gorgeous monogrammed linen pillowcases, a large monogrammed linen sheet, 6 embroidered napkins, a Provençal tablecloth, and a Le Creuset pot for 25 euros. You need to do a little searching, but the bargains can be incroyable.
Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for the advice. I have heard great things about Belgium for shopping.
David is in Antwerp right now for a few days. Maybe I can convince him to make a few stops on the way back. :)
All my best,
Georgianna
I’m so thrilled that your dream and vision for your life is finally coming together. Your apartment is everything a Parisian apartment should be and I love how you’re making it your own. I can’t wait to see more. Sending my love to you both!! 💕
Thanks so much, Stacy!💕💕
Your apartment is coming right along, love your new lighting and patio furniture!!! What a view!!! I’m loving my prints!!!
Hi Pam! Thank you so much! And I’m so happy to hear you’re loving your prints. 😊💕 Have a wonderful weekend! G
Love love the chandeliers you chose. Don’t like contemporary. So excited to see how you decorate. I have an iron bistro table just like yours. Thanks for letting us see that beautiful view also.
Thank you, Nancy! I’m glad you agree about the chandeliers. The other fixtures just felt so wrong. Wishing you a great weekend! G
Goodness, the infinity mirrors showcasing the stunning chandeliers!!! The best part of all this is how fun it must be to shop for a blank slate that is overflowing with Parisian charm. Have fun! XO
Hi Suz! Merci! Yes, the stores and flea markets are finally open again so we are looking forward to those adventures. 😀🥰 xx
The old lights didn’t do justice to your wonderful apartment. You have transformed it appropriately with the beautiful traditional chandeliers. Thank you so much for this update, dear Georgianna. It is very interesting and pleasing to see progress on your exciting journey. Will be looking forward to seeing more, particularly images you are gong to create in your new studio and home.
Much love to you and David xxx
Hello, dear Vesna!
Thank you so much. We very much appreciate you following along, as you have for all these years! We hope you are very well. Much love from us to you! xx
Georgianna, it all look so magical!! I love your updates!!! Everything is so beautiful and I’m in love with your chandeliers. 😍
Thank you!! I’m so pleased that you’re enjoying the updates. And that you love the chandeliers! 😀💕 This week we’re hoping to find something comfortable to sit on. 😊👍🏻
So much sparkle per square inch! I love your thoughtful details and authentic styling. Your pictures and vision bring me so much joy!
Thank you so much for this sweet message! You’re so thoughtful and it means a great deal to me. Wishing you a beautiful day. :) xx
Georgianna, your apartment is going to be magnificent when you get everything finished. It looks spectacular now. Those chandeliers look are just perfect in the space. I can’t wait to see what you do next! Julie xxx
Hi Julie, Thank you so much! I’m glad you feel the same about the chandeliers. We’re kind of liking it without furniture because of the beautiful details but some comfortable chairs would be nice! :) xx G
The chandeliers are perfect! How wonderful it must be to wake up every morning in this beautiful space! I can’t wait for the furniture updates!
Hi Lynette! Thank you so much. I’m glad you agree about the chandeliers. :) And yes, it truly is a dream to wake up here every morning. Soon we’ll be out at the flea markets, searching for furniture! G
Truly perfection! Although modern lighting can be beautiful, nothing compares to the elegance of crystal chandeliers. Especially in such a lovely space. I’m happy to hear the shops will open this week and life will begin to get back to normal (I hope!). I can hardly wait to get back to Paris. Wishing you all the best in your new life in Paris. xx, Brenda
Hello, Brenda! Thank you so much. I’m glad you approve of the chandeliers! Life is definitely getting more back to normal here. Shops are open and the curfew has been extended until 11 pm so we can enjoy the long summer evenings. David and I greatly appreciate your lovely wishes and hope that you are able to return to Paris soon! xx Georgianna
G ~ Almighty congratulations on your new well-deserved Paris home! May you & David continue to dream big, remain blessed, and we shall surely be gifted with divine inspiration!
Hello, Mary, and thank you so much for your beautiful wishes!
Wishing you wonderful and fulfilling adventures and dreams, too! xx